Piper

"Sir Novak," Mother cleared her throat as we sat at the large drinking table, "what makes you think you are suitable for our daughter?"

I tuned out the conversation before it even started. My mother has asked that exact question to the past two suitors. They all said the same thing,

They were strong, had plenty of connections, and were very fit to be part of the family.

In other words, they had every intention of marrying into the royal family and reap all the benefits.

Yet, my mother still believed every persuasion. She still laughed at their petty jokes, offered them more to drink, and continued on with their conversation.

"What do you think, Piper?" My father asked, grabbing my attention. I looked up from my glass and cleared my throat.

"About what?" I didn't mind acting like I knew what they were talking about. Who cares if I was listening?

"What do you think about Sir Novak accompanying you on a ride?" He asked. I raised my brow.

"Do you even know how to ride?" I ridiculed. I'm sure he did. It was just another thing he could brag about.

"Yes, of course," the pompous boy answered.

"I think it's a great idea!" My mother exclaimed.

Of course she did.

"Fine, but only a short trot through the grounds," I agreed. It was a dumb idea, but I agreed to it only because I would rather do that than any other suggestion.

"We will let you two go then," my mother smiled as she got up from her seat. The rest of us stood and left the table. Before I was out the door with Sir Novak, she flashed me a look that said, 'behave.'

Oh, I planned on it...

♱

Sir Novak, eligible soulmate number three, rode beside me. His back was stiff, too stiff, and his head too high. He looked like a fool.

"So, Piper, how far are you in line to the throne?" Pretty boy spoke up from beside me, finally starting a conversation.

My eyes widened in surprise at how bold his question was. I pulled back on Silveia's reigns and faced him, making his horse stop. I scowled at him in disbelief.

"Excuse me?"

"You know why I'm here. If we were to be bound as Soulmates, I want to know how close I am to becoming King," he said, nonchalantly. He almost seemed surprised. Almost like it was a shock that I was confused by his question.

"I know why you want to be bound to me. Do not peg me as a fool," I looked him up and down in disdain. He really had some nerve.

"Well, I thought I'd cut to the chase and ask. That way I can make my decision."

"Your decision?" I hissed, "You cannot be serious."

"You know I am serious. Why do you seem so shocked?" Sir Novak furrowed his brow.

Yes, I knew that any eligible man who came here solely came for my royal ties. But, at least they played along and acted as if it wasn't their intent. They at least had that much respect.

"Because you have some nerve to come here and ask me such an arrogant question."

"Is it nerve or is it just rationality?" He countered. He was not phased by the obvious offense that I took from his comment.

"Whatever day the Queen told you that you could stay until is revoked," I stated, ignoring his question. His jaw dropped slightly as if he had never been thrown out before.

"Are you serious?" He raised his voice. Now who was the one in shock?

"You know I am serious. Do not ever show your face here again." I mocked him, with a clear order to follow. I had grown even sicker of him by the minute.

Men like him knew no manners, and they had no place here. Especially if they were planning to arrange a Soulmate bond with me.

Disgusting.

He didn't say a word. Just huffed and lifted his chin like a child. He turned his horse to leave.

I turned my horse away from him and cracked the reigns. I couldn't stand to go back and tell my mother why Sir Novak was leaving in such a rush. I knew that once I returned to the castle that there would be a stir.

The Princess threw a suitor out of the castle. How improper.

Silveia darted off. My black cloak whipped behind me as she sped away. I kept my focus on the trees ahead of me. Most of them were tall evergreens, as old as me or older. The sun was starting to set behind them.

It was dark inside the forest. It didn't take much for it to grow shadowy in the midst of the tall evergreens. I paid no mind to the stories I used to hear as a child of all the scary and evil things that lurked in the woods.

I was a Vampire for Heaven's sake. What was I supposed to be scared of?

Silveia raced through the trees. She was swift to weave in and out of the way. I attributed it to the months of training I had undergone with her. It made me trust her as we sped through the forest.

With it getting darker, the looming nature of the tall trees set in. After a while, I pulled back on Silveia's reigns, knowing we were far out from the castle. She huffed and began to walk.

It was so peaceful out here. Well, as peaceful as a dark forest could get. The sound of deer, owls, and other wildlife filled my ears. The wind was soft and singing ever so quietly. The crunching of brush under Silveia's hooves was the loudest noise, and even that didn't disturb my peace.

It was better than the seemingly constant movement of the castle.

I sighed, closing my eyes so I could take a moment to relax.

When I opened my eyes, I spotted a light far away. I focused my eyes and could see a lantern. I furrowed my brow and stopped Silveia. The guards had finished their forest run hours ago. When I looked closer at this lantern, I realized it was a post.

Sliding off Silveia, I rubbed her neck and fastened her to a nearby tree. She wouldn't run away, but she was curious. I didn't want her accidentally getting lost.

"I'll be back," I murmured to her. She snorted at me in response. I pulled my hood up so it camouflaged me in the darkness.

When I got closer to the lantern, I noticed it wasn't just a lantern. There were two, then three, then dozens. Hanging from trees, laying on the ground, everywhere. They all seemed to come out of nowhere. More and more appeared and suddenly flowers started to as well. Even though the forest was dark and shaded even during the day, these flowers were thriving.

I took one more step and it's like I had walked into a completely different part of the forest. There was vivid green moss, and bright, almost luminescent, flowers. A beautiful cottage was fifty feet from me. Vining plants and the same green moss grew on the roof.

It was a beautiful home. Quaint and made of worn wood. Yet, it seemed sturdy. My mouth fell open as I looked around. It was awe-inducing.

Slabs of stone were beneath my feet, trailing up to and around the house. One path went to a beautiful clear blue stream and what looked to be a small pond. It looked like someone had built it to fit the area, but it was completely natural.

I took a step closer to one of the lanterns and stopped at the sound of a bowstring being pulled.

"Don't move," A deep male voice ordered. I put my hands up, thinking it was probably a guard who thought I was trespassing.

"Turn around," The voice ordered again. I turned and was met with someone who obviously wasn't a guard.

––––––––––•A/N•––––––––––
And so it begins...

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